Generation and Composition of Biomedical Waste in Selected Hospitals in Akure South Local Government Area, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyses generation and composition of biomedical waste in selected hospitals in Akure local government area,
Nigeria. Cross sectional survey research design was adopted in which both primary and secondary data were sourced. A multistage sampling technique was used. Of the 18 local government area in Ondo state, Akure South Local government Area was
purposively selected. About 8 out of the entire 147 health care facilities (4 private and 4 public) identified were randomly selected
representing 11% of the sample frame. Consequently, a structure questionnaire that captured the socio-economic characteristics,
composition, generation and effects of biomedical waste for seven days (1 week) was administered to all (233) the waste handlers
within the facilities identified within the selected health care facilities. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential
(ANOVA) statistics. The findings revealed that male accounted for 98.3% while 37.8% aged between 41 to 60 years. Healthcare
facilities generate more of sharps and infectious waste, accounting for 338.1kg and 367kg respectively. All (100%) the facilities
composed of sharp, infectious, non-risk forms of biomedical waste (12.5%) and chemical waste. In conclusion, there is variation
in the biomedical waste generation, therefore effective waste management strategies should be adopted.